5 Best Islands in Thailand You Must Visit

Thailand without a doubt is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With over 100 islands it makes it all the more difficult for you to pick ‘the ones’.

Here are the 5 best Islands in Thailand you must visit to soak up the sun, feel the air, ride the waves, party away or just relax.

1. Phuket Thailand

Phuket exemplifies what luxury truly is. With some of the most grandiose Thailand island resorts and hotels in the country, the jet-setters get here in droves.

If rubbing shoulders with the movie stars, the rich and the famous is your calling, this is where you should be.

Phuket is a great vacation island for families as well. Most of the luxurious hotels have child camps in place tailored to keep them entertained.

Trisara is a great luxury hotel for families. Dine at Sri Panwa and have that divine experience which everybody talks about. Ask Bradley Cooper!

Phuket has a tailor-made experience of quintessential tropical fun, where you can explore historical museums and monuments. But remember you would be shelling out a little more in Phuket than any of the other islands in the country.

There are so many ways to experience the islands in Thailand, that it’s hard to decide which ones to include and which to exclude. Here are some Thailand Island Guided Tours which should help you narrow down your choices.

If you’re interested in Thailand Island Hopping Tours, you should check out the Thai Island Hopper West – an 8 day guided tour that will take you Thailand Island Hopping from Phuket to Koh Phi-Phi to Krabi. Along the way, you get to enjoy the best possible island vibes and the amazing nightlife. The spaces fill out fast, so you may want to book your spot early for your dates. Check availability for your dates.

If it’s adventure you seek, then the Phuket Sailing Adventure is an awesome tour with 7 fabulous days of sailing bliss. Enjoy seascapes of shimmering turquoise water, limestone peaks and white sand beaches in the Andaman sea. You get to swim, snorkel, kayak, explore or simply chill out on deck! Probably one of the best ways to experience Thailand. Check availability for your dates.

2. Koh Chang Thailand

Stretches of the white sand beach, several waterfalls, coral reefs, dense rain forests – all on offer at Koh Chang. You can rent a motorbike and go beach hopping, the island large enough to make for a fun ride.

Drive up to Bang Bao village, go to Cliff Cottage and have a drink on the deck overlooking the sunset on the ocean while meeting fellow travelers.

Dine at the Saffron on the Sea in White Sand Beach or the Kati Culinary Restaurant in Long Island beach for some fancy Thai food experience. The street food is equally delectable.

If you want to let your hair down and meet lots of people White Sand Beach is for you. But you want to know what locals do and eat? Swing by the bars at Lonely Beach and Bailan Bay. Bob Marley is famous around here, just so you know what to expect.

Between Klong Kloi and Bang Bao, there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss beach called Sai Noi Beach – still rustic, laid back but with basic huts and local food to eat. Read a book, swim a little, have a drink, and see what being away from civilization can do to you.

If you’re planning to travel with your family, check out the Thailand Family Adventure – a perfect 12 days Thailand Tour for families that is full of bona fide Thai experiences. You cover everything from Thai culture to sand & surf. The 4 amazing destinations of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, and Koh Chang will complete your Thai Experience in every way. This is a small group tour, so be sure to book your spaces in advance. Check availability for your dates.

3. Koh Samui Thailand

If you are scouting for honeymoon destinations, look no further. Welcome to the paradise island! One of the best Islands in Thailand for a honeymoon, it is an hour away from Bangkok by flight.

Stay in one of the serene estates – Headlands nestled in Baan Taling Ngam Beach. It is an island in itself and is so tranquil and luxurious you will never want to leave.

Six Senses is another Koh Samui Thailand island resort you should consider.

For non-honeymooners check out the National Marine Park, the Big Buddha Temple and the Mummy Monk (for real).

Explore the island on bicycles, take an ocean excursion, go on a market tour and attend a couple of Thai cooking classes. You always have the white sand beaches to come back to.

Koh Samui, also houses a large number of the expat community resulting in a lot of good English schools, in case you are looking for the long haul. Most locals speak English here.

For a budget stay, go to Wave Samui in Chaweng beach – this charming restaurant cum library has a lot of character. There is free wifi in case you couldn’t resist sharing your photos.

There are great parties happening in Chaweng beach but for the real thing, take a detour towards Koh Pha Ngan island – just a ferry ride away (Four and a half hours) – this is where all the legendary wild full moon parties are held.

For pure Thailand Island Hopping bliss, check out the Southern Thailand Sojourn tour. This 9 day Southern Thailand Package Tour packs a lot of activities. From a visit to the National park, lazing around on the beach with drinks, snorkeling beautiful coral reefs to Thai cooking classes – it has it all. And all this without rushing you and making sure you’re at your relaxed best. This is a small group tour, so get to booking your spots early. Check availability for your dates.

4. Koh Tao Thailand

If you’re looking for adventure, Koh Tao is the place to be. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters and savor the trippy coral reefs, climb some rugged rocks, do scuba diving and say hello to the giant sharks!

The shallow waters in this palm-fringed island make it easy for virgin divers to learn. In fact, it is one of the most popular places to learn to dive in the world. If you want to be PADI certified, pack your bags and get here.

Although popularized as an adventure island, there are plenty of places to relax and have fun.

If you’re looking for a mix of culture, wildlife, island hopping and adventure, you should check out the Elephants to Thailand Islands Tour Package. This 14 days Thailand island hopping tour will take you to lush hill tribes and ancient temples besides the island hopping fun.

The best part will be the cultural exchange, volunteer work (optional) and adventure. You’ll see some of the interesting projects up close while you’re having a great time.

This Island hopping tour is for an adventure traveler, an island hopper and a wildlife conservation enthusiast alike.

5. Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Koh Phi Phi is modern and sophisticated but it has managed to retain its stunning natural beauty.

The turquoise water, miles, and miles of white sand beaches, acres of thick evergreen forest, a vibrant nightlife (including full moon parties), you wanna make it your home.

Rent a kayak at Do Dalam bay and paddle to the other side of the mountain, you are heading towards Monkey Beach. It takes about 40 minutes of strenuous rowing. The beach is free, but you will need a few hundred baht for kayaking.

Beautiful and adventurous, go a little deeper and discover a few more coves but get back if you see the clouds hovering. You definitely don’t wanna be stuck for hours.

It’s THE Beach: Yes, this is where the famous movie, “The Beach” was filmed!

A great Thailand Island Hopping tour you may want to check out is A Taste of Thailand Islands Paradise. This 10 days Thailand Islands Package Tour takes you from legendary parties to heavenly white-sand beaches. And while you get to chill and party on the beaches, you also venture deep into a jungle. Other takeaways are a floating lake house in the middle of a national park and an introduction to Buddhist culture and the awesome Thai cuisine.